804.585.3420 Menu

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is a surgical procedure to reshape or reconstruct the nose. It can address cosmetic concerns such as bumps, size adjustments, nostril reshaping, or correcting a crooked nose. Board-certified surgeons at Richmond Plastic Surgeons are dedicated to helping you achieve your desired look.

What Are the Benefitsof a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty helps with issues that might make you feel uncomfortable with your nose:

  • Downturned, bulbous, or upturned tip
  • An overly large or small nose
  • Overly large or small nostrils
  • Bumps or depressions
  • Trauma-related deformities
  • Overly narrow or wide nose
Woman standing on the beach

Rhinoplasty with Dr. Wornom

Dr. Wornom - Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos

Rhinoplasty Help Correct Flaws & Reshapes Your Nose

Deformities of the nose sometimes come from injury, but genetics can be responsible, as well. Rhinoplasty (or nose shaping surgery) surgically corrects the shape of your nose, while also addressing breathing issues resulting from structural defects as well. 

Every nose is unique, so we offer a personalized approach to each patient at Richmond Plastic Surgeons, to restore your overall facial harmony.

Nose shaping surgery is done as an outpatient at our certified surgery center, the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery. You can rest assured that your nose surgery in Richmond will be performed by highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons.

Richmond Plastic Surgeons

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

You may be an excellent candidate for rhinoplasty in Richmond if you're looking to enhance the appearance of your nose or nostrils:

  • You’ve reached what we call “facial skeletal maturity” (typically occurring during adolescence)
  • Have a positive outlook
  • Carry realistic expectations
  • Are in good health and don’t smoke

Many teenagers want to change their noses early in life. Our board-certified plastic surgeons prefer to wait until girls are at least 14 or 15 years old. Boys should be slightly older. 

This helps us ensure that the nose and face are completely developed, and avoiding the need for a revision nose job in the future.

Preparing for Rhinoplasty Procedure

  • Consultation: Schedule a consultation at Richmond Plastic Surgeons to discuss goals, expectations, and procedure details with a board-certified surgeon.
  • Preparation: Follow your surgeon’s instructions on eating, drinking, smoking, medications, and skincare. Arrange for a ride home and post-surgery assistance.
  • Procedure Day: Performed under local or general anesthesia, rhinoplasty is usually outpatient. Complex cases may require a short hospital stay.
  • Considerations: Your surgeon will evaluate your nose structure, skin thickness, facial shape, age, and expectations to plan the procedure.
  • Insurance: Cosmetic rhinoplasty isn’t typically covered by insurance, but reconstructive procedures may be. Confirm with your insurer and obtain pre-authorization if needed.
  • Medical Disclosure: Inform your surgeon about previous nose surgeries, injuries, allergies, breathing issues, medications, and smoking habits.

Feel free to ask questions to clarify expectations or address concerns.

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us

What is the Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Rhinoplasty typically takes 1–2 hours. Depending on the case, your surgeon will make incisions inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella (open rhinoplasty) for more complex procedures. They will sculpt the bone and cartilage, graft as needed, and close the incisions with sutures.

A splint will be placed on your nose to stabilize the bone, and nasal packs or soft splints may be used to support the septum. While the splint helps hold the structure in place, it doesn’t protect against injury, so extra care is necessary.

Richmond Plastic Surgeons

What to Expect After Rhinoplasty

Initial Recovery:

  • Swelling, headaches, and an aching nose for the first 24 hours.
  • Bleeding is normal; gauze may be used to control it.
  • Medication will be provided for discomfort.
  • Stay in bed with your head elevated for the first day.

Activity Guidelines:

  • Light activities can resume after two days.
  • Return to work after one week.
  • Avoid strenuous activities (e.g., jogging, swimming, bending) for 2–3 weeks.

Swelling & Bruising:

  • Bruising and swelling may worsen for the first three days but improve after two weeks.
  • Use cold compresses to manage swelling.

Nasal Care:

  • The nose may feel stuffy for a few weeks—avoid blowing your nose until it has fully healed.

Long-Term Recovery:

  • Avoid impacts, rubbing, or sunburn on your nose for eight weeks.
  • Full healing takes about eight weeks.

Hygiene:

  • Be gentle when washing your face and hair or applying cosmetics.
  • Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for safely resuming normal activities.

FAQ

Will I Have Scars After My Rhinoplasty?

If you have incisions on the outside of your nose, the scars will be very inconspicuous.

When Will I See the Results?

You can see the real improvements of your nose job after about two weeks, when the swelling is mostly gone.

What Are Possible Complications of Rhinoplasty?

Our board-certified surgeons, utilize a wide range of experience and the most advanced procedures to avoid complications like: Infection, Nosebleeds, Red spots on the skin caused by damaged blood vessels,and other Imperfections caused by the technique used during the procedure. After surgery, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on your skin; these are usually minor but may be permanent. In very rare cases, a second procedure may be required to correct something like a minor deformity. Such cases are unpredictable, and happen even to patients of the most skilled surgeons. The corrective surgery is usually minor.

How Long Will the Results of a Nose Job Last?

The results of your nose job are permanent, as long as you don’t suffer an injury to your nose.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Richmond?

Medical insurance considers cosmetic rhinoplasty as elective, so they likely won’t cover the cost. After your consultation, we’ll provide you with an accurate and comprehensive cost breakdown for your nose job. Richmond Plastic Surgeons accepts several forms of payment, including CareCredit® financing.

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like more information regarding a specific procedure, or wish to have a member of our staff contact you, please fill out this contact form and let us know how we can best serve you!

Contact Us

© Richmond Plastic Surgeons. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Privacy Policy

Patient Portal
Contact Us

Contact Us

Cosmetic Patients: 804.585.3419